I just went through this in october and went with the 897D because of the versatility and the larger screen. It is easier on the eyes as well as the knobs are much bigger. It sounds good, but add an external speaker for better sound. I also purchased the LDG AT897 tuner which is great. I feel you might be happier with the 897D, if the budget can absorb it.. As far as batteries, I added the Gamma Research power supply instead of batteries. www.gammaresearch.com See their website for details. Greg

Go with the 857D...If you are cramped for space and plan on taking your rig out portable, the 857 is smaller and will work well for you....I really like mine....Just picked it up....All those bands and modes in one tiny package.....

DG3YCC wrote: "857 has a thin wire coming out of the back. Connecting this to ground reduces RF power - good for antenna tuning etc. I soldered a switch between this and the ground wire (BTW: do the yaesu people think a wire coming out of the enclosure is 21st century technology?)."

That's rather odd. I have no such wire coming out of the back of my 857. Did you get yours new or used? Sounds like someone brought that wire out for some purpose (autotuner usage perhaps?).

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